Forsberg focused on next game with Predators, not possible final one
Wants to extend series in Game 4 against Avalanche, not concerned by pending free agency
"It's meant a lot," he said with a little laugh. "I know where you're going with this, so I'm not going to give you more than that."
Forsberg can become an unrestricted free agent after the season, and the Predators are on the verge of being swept by the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference First Round, down 3-0 in the best-of-7 series. That means he might play for the Predators for the final time in Game 4 at Bridgestone Arena on Monday (9:30 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN1, TVAS2, BSSO, ALT).
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Asked for his emotions, he said: "Same as going into Game 1. The mindset for us hasn't changed at all. We just take one game at a time. Obviously we're aware of the situation that we're in. But at the same time we've just got to win, keep this series alive, and that's really all we're focusing on."
Forsberg has no points in this series, not the way he wants this season to end, let alone his Predators career if this turns out to be it.
The Washington Capitals selected him with the No. 11 pick of the 2012 NHL Draft and traded him to the Predators on April 3, 2013, for forwards Martin Erat and Michael Latta. Forsberg has become an integral part of the Predators in the 10 seasons since.
"Every little kid here in Nashville probably runs around on the street with their hockey stick when they score calling themselves Forsberg," center Ryan Johansen said.
Forsberg is the Predators all-time leader in goals in the regular season (220) and Stanley Cup Playoffs (28), and their all-time leader in playoff points (52). When they made the Stanley Cup Final in 2017, losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games, he led them in goals (nine) and points (16).
He set NHL career highs this season in goals (42), assists (42) and points (84), despite missing 13 games because of injury.
"He's just a tremendous scorer," Johansen said. "His shot is … he's very elite. This year especially I've been really proud of him and how consistent he's been. We all know he can score goals, but [it's] just how he's bringing his power forward-type style of game on a very consistent basis. So he's a very exciting player."
Coach John Hynes said Forsberg's talent is hard to replicate, and the 27-year-old has been coachable and grown as a player and leader this season, driving the Predators and their culture.
"I think he's taken a lot of steps in those situations," Hynes said. "He's had a great year this year and he's a big reason why we're in the postseason."
Forsberg has nine shots on goal in this series, second on the Predators to defenseman Roman Josi, who has 13. He also hit a goal post during a 5-on-3 power play with the score tied 1-1 in the third period of Game 2. Nashville went on to lose 2-1 in overtime.
"I know the big headline is he hasn't produced, but he's had some pretty good looks that haven't gone in for him," Hynes said.
Hynes said the coaches talk to Forsberg about little things, like getting his shot off quicker, and he thinks Forsberg can play more of a power game against the Avalanche down low in the offensive zone to generate offense for himself and his linemates. But the coaches don't have to say much.
"He knows," Hynes said. "He takes a lot on himself too. I think he understands the importance of him being able to be an impact player in the series. I don't think he's too far off. Sometimes you need big-time players to step up in big-time games, and I'm pretty confident he will."
No one has to say much about the situation. Everyone knows what this means, to Forsberg, to the Predators, to Nashville.
"I've played a lot of hockey with him as a linemate and watched him a lot," said Johansen, who has been with the Predators since 2015-16. "It's exciting as a teammate to see him take a step this year, and knowing that there's still even more there too. Forty-plus goals is incredible, and that's hard to do, and not a lot of guys can do that. It's been a lot of fun to watch with my time here and being around him.
"I hope it's not his last game."
